Warrego Hwy to benefit from more upgrades

SAVINGS on the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program will be re-invested in three more projects along the well-travelled road.

Roadworks continue on the Warrego Hwy west of Toowoomba to upgrade O'Mara's Rd, linking the Charlton Wellcamp industrial estate with the Warrego Hwy, Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Picture: Kevin Farmer

SAVINGS on the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program will be re-invested in three more projects along the well-travelled road.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said an initial 15 approved projects were identified and funded under the $635 million program, seven of which had now been completed, and thanks to a competitive tender process and contractor efficiencies savings were being returned towards further upgrades.

"Some sections of the Warrego Highway are still below acceptable safety standards, which is why the government is investing in targeted, priority upgrades such as road widening, pavement strengthening, intersection upgrades and new overtaking lanes,” Mr McCormack said.

Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey welcomed the announcement.

"Thanks to cost efficiencies in delivering the existing package of 15 upgrades, additional works will now be able to proceed on the Carroll Creek Culvert Replacement project, along with further upgrades between Dalby and Miles and between Oakey and Miles,” Mr Bailey said.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the additional upgrades would continue to improve highway's efficiency and safety.　

"The Carroll Creek Culvert Replacement will avoid the need to impose a load limit on that section of the highway, reducing maintenance costs and improving productivity for road freight operators and the key regional industries they serve,” Mr　Littleproud said.　

"This is about making our network safer for locals, truckies and tourists. We want people getting home sooner and safer.”　

Queensland Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said further upgrades between Dalby to Miles would include pavement widening, audio tactile line markings and wider centrelines to tackle the risk of head-on collisions.　

"Stage 2 of the Oakey to Miles Safety Upgrade will involve building new rest stops and removing a dangerous drop-off at the road's edge, along with roadside hazards that can prove fatal in run-off-road crashes,” he said.　

"The Warrego is a key highway that provides vital access for our agricultural producers to marketplaces in Brisbane and along the coast.”　

The three additional projects, totalling $80.19 million, are being jointly funded with the Australian Government committing $64.15million and the Queensland Government providing $16.04 million.　

For more information on the Warrego Highway Upgrade Program, visit here.

Originally published as Warrego Hwy to benefit from more upgrades